Mar del Plata, Argentina, July 19, 2013 - In
his first day in Argentina attending the 2013 FIVB World League Finals, Dr. Ary
S. Graça F° (President of the International Volleyball Federation) was welcomed
by Gustavo Pulti (Mayor of the General Pueyrredon Region) at the government
headquarters.

Their discussions touched
upon the importance of sport in today's society especially in giving youngsters
options for the future. They all also noted the boost in the popularity of volleyball.

Gustavo Pulti emphasised
the importance of volleyball for the city and thanked the FIVB, its President
and the Argentine officials for supporting the decision to host the Finals in Mar
del Plata and hoped that the city would welcome future sports events. "Mar
del Plata is open for new challenges. We feel we have proved this test and we
have the vocation to go on with these kinds of important international events."

Dr. Graça went onto say,
"We have to make volleyball grow in Argentina first, especially at the
women's level. You have very good schools. And volleyball encourages children to
play together. It is socially interesting. Volleyball is the sport we all need
especially as it helps give us a society feeling. Then, we have to make a
programme together." Mr Pulti was in full agreement with this and hoped
that discussions would continue on the topic.

As Juan Antonio
Gutierrez, FeVA President pointed out, "We completely identify with this
project at the world level. If FeVA would not have had the support of the City
Hall Mayor, with the active presence of Mr. Taccone and all his staff at the
Organising Committee, it would have been impossible to reach this event with
such infrastructure. We are very thankful to everyone that made this great volleyball
party possible."

Talking about the
development of volleyball all over the World, Dr. Graça went on to develop his
ideas saying, "We have to have a very strong Argentine Volleyball
Federation. In the year 1982 we had a World Championship here that was very successful
and then the work stopped. In the year 2002 we had another World Championship
again, once more very successful and unhappily that work also did not go on. It
is proved that Argentines are very competitive. The Beach Volleyball Grand Slam
of the World Tour held in Corrientes was a complete success, and this proves my
words. This is part of a development project and we have to support those that
work in this area. This will develop the sport in the region. Argentina is
important politically and technically. Argentina
must return to its utmost."